COMMON QUESTIONS ASKED BY SOCIAL SERVICE AGENCIES ABOUT VOTER REGISTRATION

( Reproduced from http://nch.ari.net/voterrights/3.html)

All voter registration services by non-profit organizations must be non-partisan. Non-partisan means that the activity or program shall not be influenced by, affiliated with, or supportive of the interest or policies of any political party or candidate. Support for candidates of two different parties in an election ("bipartisanship") is not a non-partisan activity.

Can my organization work in conjunction with other groups that conduct voter registration, education, and get-out-the-vote programs?

Yes , so long as the effort is non-partisan. Participating organizations and individuals cannot make any statements in support of, or in opposition to any particular candidate or party, or carry on any other activity designed to reflect a preference or recommendation for any political candidate or party.

Can vehicles owned by nonprofit organizations be used to transport voters to the polls? Can drivers employed by the organization transport voters to the polls?

Yes , to both questions. You can even affix non-partisan messages to vehicles encouraging voters to go to the polls. However, make certain that the vehicles and the drivers do not have any partisan literature, buttons, posters, flyers, bumper stickers or other political propaganda.

Can a staff person registering voters in a 501(c)(3) agency wear a button or put a bumper sticker on his/her car that has the name of a favored candidate?

No , not while registering voters.

Can you give me examples of what I can say while offering information to voters?

You can say:

•  "Public policy is decided at the polls. Take a position on health care, nutrition, and other issues affecting our families. Register to vote here today."

•  "You can have an impact on the decisions affecting your life. Register to vote now."

•  "Budget cuts are reducing services provided by this agency and many others. If you care about housing and day care, register to vote today."

But, you can't say:

•  "Support family values. Bush in 2004. Register now."

•  "Stop the reactionary Republican Congress. Elect Kerry. Register here."

•  "Budget cuts are reducing services provided by this agency. Register to vote here, and let the candidates know you won't take it anymore!" 

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